Hilton Head as a home resort - I need advice please!

[ZerasPride]

My family and I will be staying at Hilton Head in less than two weeks. I am pretty sure I have finally convinced DH that the DVC will work for us but I have a couple of "concerns" I'd like to throw out to you helpful DVC owners.

My husband does not like Disney (and that's putting it mildly). He does however indulge my Disney addiction for the most part. He has agreed that if he likes HH that we can buy into the club but he will never ever agree to make our home resort on Disney property. I really want to join and am willing to make that concession. I am sure Hilton Head is a wonderful resort but I couldn't help but be disturbed by a post I just read that said Hilton Head and Vero are mistake resorts. That made me feel kind of bad and for the money this timeshare costs, I don't want to feel like I have purchased a lame duck.

For the record, I have no intentions of buying in at Hilton Head and never or rarely staying there. It seems like a wonderful place to vacation and I look forward to it being my home for the next 40 years, however, I would like to visit the other resorts in the DVC "family" including Vero and the resorts on property.

I guess my question is, does this seem reasonable and logical? I've seen several posts that suggest not buying into DVC unless you buy at Disney. But again, in my situation, that will not happen. I'd like some opinions/advice please. I really want to join but I don't expect to be treated or feel like an interloper if I make occasional (every three years or so) trips to other resorts. Please reassure me if you can, thanks guys!!!

Lisa

 

[PamOKW]

Your plan sounds reasonable. Vero and HHI are by no means "mistakes". Disney did pull back from going whole hog into the timeshare business. They concentrated their efforts at WDW where it's easier to reach a captive audience and sell all at once. If they had built 5 resorts around the country instead of 5 at WDW their expenses would have been greater, all the incidental staffing costs would have been higher, etc., etc. However, Vero and HHI are beautiful and wonderful options for Disney guests.

If you look at HHI and like it and think you'd vacation there often and mix it up with the other options...go for it. In fact, if you really want to vacation at HHi, especially in the summer, you are better off owning there. If you aren't choosy about which WDW resort to stay at when you want to go there, you almost always have some option available.

No one knows who is who at the resorts....other DVC member, home resort owner, paying guest, renting guest, etc., etc. There's no worry about not feeling welcome either by the staff or fellow guests.

 

[TnRobin]

I agree. HHI is no where near a "mistake" We visited there last year and had purchased an add-on at HHI within a few month. If I can get more money for another add-on, it will also be a HHI.

Depending on when you plan your trips to WDW, the 11 month window can be crucial. But the same holds true for HHI. If you want to spend summers at HH, you really need the Hilton Head points so that you can use the 11 month window.

Once you visit DVC Hilton Head, you will have no doubts.

You future travel plans appear to be perfect for a HH Home.

 

[donald@home]

Vero and Hilton Head are not "mistake" resorts. I did not see the post you are refering to, but I bet I know who made that comment. There are a few people on this board who for some reason are very vocal about their anti WDW DVC feelings. Vero and HH have not sold as quickly as the resorts on property because they do not have the draw of the parks, but they are beautiful resort destinations on their own, and they are both scheduled to sell out sometime mid next year. They are not mistakes. If you like Disney but your husband doesn't, it sounds like HH (or Vero) is a good compromise. You are more than welcome to use your points for a stay at one of the WDW properties when ever you would like. Once there, no one will know which home resort you own at so you will not be treated any differently by anyone. The only reason people tell you to by where you plan to vacation most (and it sounds like you will be very happy vacationing at HH) is so you won't be disapointed if you are unable to secure reservations at the 7 month window at a non home resort. But with the large number of DVC rooms at WDW and the few number of off property DVC rooms at Vero and HH, a person with a Vero or HH home resort will have a MUCH easier time getting a room SOMEWHERE at WDW at the 7 month window than the other way around. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[marley]

Hilton Head was definitely not a mistake. It is the best of both worlds for those who enjoy Disney's impeccable service and for those who don't want to see Mickey in sight all weekend. We purchased there in September after visiting and just love it even though the majority of our visits over the next few years will mainly be in WDW. We've had no problem booking two upcoming vacations at WLV and at OKW with the 7 month window and it is nice to have the 11 month window at HHI since it is the smallest and books up very quickly. I'm sure once he gets there he is going to love it!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

disturbed by a post I just read that said Hilton Head and Vero are mistake resorts

There is a little rivalry between which "home" resort is the best, I wouldn't read too much into it. The biggest consideration is can you get the acccomodations at the resort you want when you want. As far as feeling somehow second class, I don't think any DVC member should ever feel that way, and if 'over the top' discussions are causing those concerns, it is inappropriate. Both HH and Vero are set to sell out soon, and I personally think the selling power for the whole DVC line is strengthened by having these two options as part of the DVC resort package.

We own at Vero Beach and love it. Bottom line for us is even when going to WDW, adding some Vero beach time really makes it a nice restful vacation for us. We do not plan on going to Disney every vacation and see our selves going to the Beach more often than Disney, especially at peak times like Christmas and Spring break. If you do see yourself staying at HH fairly often you'll want to seriously consider purchasing there, the ability to get reservations during summer months is difficult. You also have the option to use your DVC points at resorts other than DVC resorts, although it requires more points.

We bought into DVC to be able to stay at all the resorts, not just exclusively our home resort. Staying right on WDW property when choosing to stay is a major selling point for the off property resorts, and DVC members should stay at any resort they wish following the guidelines. Other advisors say purchase where you plan to stay most often, which is also great advice.

Picking the home resort does take some thought, and our particular approach was where will you want to stay during peak times, when demand is high.

You can also check out other timeshare options. There are many at Hilton Head, several Marriott properties are there that would be worth the comparison shopping. They provide very nice accomodations right outside WDW when you would be able to stay there. Another resource to consider in finding out information is the timeshare users group at WWW.tug2.net. If you don't see yourself visiting WDW now and then to take advantage of your DVC options, it may not be your best option. Another site you could check is for Marriott is http://www.vacationclub.com/vc/default.asp. There are resales available for their resorts.

You could also visit the DVC rental board and rent out DVC points to test out the various resorts at a great cost to help with your purchase decision. But I understand, for Disney addicts like ourselves, another timeshare wouldn't be as good. An offsite DVC resort was the best option for us and we are very happy with our decision.

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks so much guys for your responses! I am overwhelmed by how positive you all seem about the non-Disneyworld properties. You have made me feel so much better. I'll be sure to post the outcome when we return from our trip. I'm looking forward to enjoying the Hilton Head island and the Disney resort. Hopefully, I'll come back home an owner! (Keeping my fingers crossed!)

Lisa

 

[baileybrad]

Similar situation....we both enjoy WDW, me more than my spouse. We bought a resale at HH. We did this because we plan on staying at HH at least every other DVC trip. We plan to go there in the summer once our little ones are in school thus we have to have the 11 month window. We have stayed at OKW several times and VWL once as members. We stayed many times at OKW and a few times at BWV with other family who were members. We like all the resorts except for BWV and that has more to do with the parking and layout of the resort infrastructure than the rooms, amenities, or service.

Some argue that there are better choices in the HH area. That is their opinion. For the flexibility, that the DVC offers members, we found nothing that was in the DVC's league.

And the best thing about HH is that you don't need park passes on your vacation.

 

[Granny]

I just wanted to second CaptainMidnight's suggestion. I do think you might want to check into other timeshare options. I didn't do a lot of research on those options when I joined DVC because I knew I wanted to go to WDW every year and I wanted to stay on site. So DVC was my only option.

But Hilton Head has lots of time share options. I just want you to always be in a frame of mind that you checked out all your options so you don't ever get that "I told you so" look from your DH!

IMHO, we pay a timeshare premium for DVC, primarily driven by the WDW on-site location and the high quality accommodations. This is the same premium people pay to stay in WDW resorts. I'm not sure that premium is worth it if the DVC "home" is not at WDW, and plans to use the WDW "homes" is limited to just a few times in the next 40 years.

Please don't get me wrong....I think HH and VB DVC resorts look wonderful. I just think the more information you get, the more sure you will be that DVC is the right choice for you.

Good luck!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Marriott Grand Ocean on Hilton Head has an indoor pool in addition to other pools. I think that really helps stretch out the season there. The entire resort is also directly on the beach, which was a detraction we saw in HH with the separate Beach House and accomodation locations. Disney did a nice job at HH with what they had available, but we prefer closer proximity to the beach and a longer season, so we choose Vero. But, an add-on at HH through a good resale price is not out of the question for us, I could see staying there every couple of years.

For us, the more we check out and more information we have, the better we feel we made the right purchase. There is a standard of quality, details and theming in Disney resorts that is untouchable in my opinion.

 

[Beth]

All the responses you've gotten so far are right on target!

But one more thing to add...

As most have said, if you can be somewhat flexible with your plans - you'll probably have no problem with the 7-month booking at one of the WDW property resorts. And, <i>because</i> of the high demand at HH in the summer - your points will VERY likely afford you a "trade" with an owner of a WDW DVC resort owner who desires to visit HH, but can't get in in the summer. i.e. you can book for them at 11 months, and they can do the same for you.

Just a thought - I think you'll have no problem.

We've visited the HH resort twice and REALLY enjoyed it!

Good Luck with your decision!

 

[stlrod]

I have been a very satisfied Marriott owner for seven years. Marriott has its stronghold on HH. One of our first trades was to Marriott's Grande Ocean on HH which was wonderful and directly on the beach. This summer, we took a long weekend trip to HH. We looked at Marriott's new Barony Beach. It's beautiful and directly on the beach. I strongly disgree with baileybrad that there is nothing in DVC's league on HH that offers the type of flexibility that DVC offers. With DVC, the the points needed for stays at hotel outside the DVC system (including other non-DVC Disney resorts) have risen to the level of being ridiculously high. With Marriott, I can exchange my week for Marriott Rewards points for stays at any Marriott property worldwide whenever I want. When it comes to exchanges through II, my Marriott property has higher trading power than any DVC resort when it comes to trading for another Marriott properties (and Marriott is the true leader in the timeshare industry.) So why on earth would anyone in their right mind buy DVC at HH when there are such wonderful Marriott properties to choose from? I, being of sound mind and body, can tell you exactly why I did ("gotcha" fellow DVCrs.) Number 1: The first night we arrived at HH prior to our stay at Grande Ocean we stayed at DVC. We liked it so much we added an extra day to our vacation at the end of the stay so that we could visit DVC again. We absolutely love the low-country charm of DVC. It makes no difference to us whether the resort has an indoor pool or is directly on the beach. The indoor pool at Grande Ocean was so cold in March we "snuck on" Disney property to swim in the much warmer pool at DVC. We will als probably vacation at HH only in the summer and don't mind having to shuttle over to the Beach House. Number 2: I can stay at DVC HH for 5 nights in a 2BR for about half the price it would cost me to stay a full week in a 2BR at Barony Beach (and that's for a non-oceanside unit at BB.) While you can buy a resale Marriott at a much lower price and still get the same II exchange priority, you lose the Marriotts Rewards option which is great for travelling in Europe. Number 3: Whenever we use our Marriott unit in Florida, we usually add a couple nights onsite and can now use DVC for that purpose. (That's not to imply I am unhappy with my Orlando choice--I am very happy and would make the same choice again in Orlando.) Number 4: If I want to bring the "whole family" or friends, I can get a Grand Villa which I cannot do at any Marriott property on HH. Number 5: Even with my high priority within II for Marriott, it is very difficult to get one of the beachfront Marriott properties on HH during the summer. I do not think I'll have as difficult to get a DVC unit at WDW when I want. I did not see the post referring to the "mistake" Disney made. However, I am absolutley confident I made no mistake in choosing DVC on HH. Given your circumstances, it sounds like a very reasonable option. Go over and check out Barony Beach, hear about the Marriott program, see the unit (they'll give you something for it), and then make your decision. (Many have been critical of BB because of the way it "wraps around" the Westin--you'll see what I mean we you see it.) If you are at all value-oriented like me, I think (and hope) you'll end up at DVC.

 

[ZerasPride]

Just wanted to thank everyone again who has posted their comments on Hilton Head DVC. I have been researching this purchase for close to two years now and I am so excited about this trip. All of your insight, caution and advice is deeply appreciated and I hope to be welcomed home soon!

Lisa

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Great post stlrod, thanks for sharing.

I wondered about the Barony Beach location. And the indoor pool at the Grand Ocean was cold? That's silly of them to do that.

Maybe an add-on at HH is a good idea.....

The beach and local activities are wonderful and the bicycling on the beach is fabulous, wonderful ocean view and beautiful houses and condos....

Two years? Ya, your ready, I'll look forward to passing along a "welcome home" soon.....

 

[tiffany123]

HH will not be a mistake. We looked at several other timeshare options with heavy presence at HH. Decided after much thought that Disney was the best by far. If sometime you decide you want to visit WDW you have the option and a place to stay. If you never set foot in Orlando, you'll still have a top notch resort at HH and the option to use DVC points at other top notch resorts throughout the US. We may never go to WDW again unless it's with the grandkids but we plan to visit HH often and make full use of the concerige program. In fact, summer 2003 will find us in CO and UT in concerige resorts.

 

[baileybrad]

stlrod,
I have never met an admitted "trespasser" on the boards. You can strongly disagree with me all you want.

I stand by what I said if you plan on visiting HH during the summer and going to WDW and staying on Disney property on a semi-regular basis....the DVC has the most flexibility and is the best ts program out there, bar none, for this type of visiting pattern. That is what the original poster plans to do. The flexibility of the points system is tremendous. We do not trade so that does not factor in to the decision. We go to HH during the "swimming" season so a cold indoor pool is really of no use to us, or to you from what you stated.

Again, if the poster's question was what is the best ts at HH then that is a different answer. If the ability to visit WDW frequently and stay in the "magic" which I find to be a state of mind only, when not staying at HH then DVC is the best option.

 

[Richyams]

Notice that I started my post about the mistakes made by Disney at HH and VB by proclaiming them to be beautiful resorts, among the finest in the world. Furthermore, I am very happy to have them as options.

This does not change the fact that they were mistakes. This is proven by the fact that VB is only a shadow of its original plans. DIsney took the huge move of ending the subsidy for dues, Disney sold properties that were announced DVC resorts, well at least one announced and one other property. The dismal sales experiences at HH and VB have nixed any chance of there ever being a DVC resort not near a park. I would even venture to say that these dismal sales experiences have thwarted any chance of a DVC resort being built anywhere but WDW property.

People can be as rosy and pro-Disney as they wish, they can blind themselves to the obvious, but none of that changes the fact that dismal sales at HH and VB have seriously changed the direction of DVC.